Fashion activism is the practice of using fashion as a means of awareness or social change. Fashion labels have increasingly begun taking political stances and using their status to instil social change or send positive messages. This includes climate change themed catwalk shows, water concerned sustainability pledges, anti-racism empowered casual wear and even fashion footprint calculators.
And it is true, fashion activism starts every day when you open your wardrobe, it is about freedom, expression and being who you want to be…if anything, that is what you stand for, who may inspire you and how you can actively pay tribute to muses and movements.
Mentored By: Jennifer Barrett – Fashion Mentor, Jennine Wilson – Photography Mentor, Katherine Wildman – Founder of Haydn Grey
Project Contributors: Joseph O’Donnell – Marketing & Communications Co-ordinator, Bella Freud, Emma Cassidy – Assistant Model Booker and Social Media Manager at TTM Management
The Brief:
For this project, students explored and researched further into fashion activism – what it is and the influence it has had throughout history. They also heard more about the brand and designer, Bella Freud, whose work is the centre of inspiration for the project. From there, they had to choose their fight, movement, or muse.
Referring to the ‘word jumpers’ in Bella Freud’s latest collection, students were encouraged to create a statement to put on their t-shirts. Once they have designed their piece, they were expected to prepare a photoshoot with guidance from TICE Photography Mentor, Jennine Wilson. They were also tasked with a creative writing piece inspired by Bella’s ‘Happening’ section of the website. With support from Katherine Wildman, they had to make sure their words reflect their images.
The Process:
As part of the TICE experience, students were encouraged to share some ‘behind the scenes’ footage of them working on their projects. Take a look.
Project Results:
Please view the final results of the students’ work from Kazakhstan International School, Burnside College, Marden High School, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School.
What did the students think of their TICE experience?
What do you think you will take away from doing this project?
“I will take away skills like time management and being professional as there was submissions deadlines it helped me improve on my time management . I will also take away a lot of confidence and asking for help whenever I need it.” Ameya, Sacred Heart Catholic High School.
What was your favourite part of the project?
“My favourite part was going in and doing photography because I enjoyed styling my outfit, taking pictures, modelling and planning the photoshoot. I also enjoyed making my documentary because I liked explaining my though process, showing my progress and editing together the videos with fun affects and music.” Angelica, Sacred Heart High School.
What do you feel you have personally achieved in completing this project?
“I think that I have personally achieved how to do fashion inspired work as well as being able to plan for photoshoots.” Aze Naz Hamal, Kazakhstan International School.
“I feel that I have achieved finding a whole new world that I could take on once I’m older within fashion as I did not know there were so many possible courses and jobs!” Hajar Al-Sabbahy, Marden High School.
“I have achieved confidence in myself to keep persevering and that you can be very creative if you put your mind to it.” Emma Hannett, Burnside College.
What would you say to any young person thinking about doing a TICE project?
“Its a fun experience that I would recommend to anyone thinking of going into fashion in their future. It helps you develop a lot of skills and it’s a fun and exiting adventure.” Angelica, Sacred Heart High School.
Thank you and well done, not only to the students but to the teachers and staff at Kazakhstan International School, Burnside College, Marden High School, Sacred Heart Catholic High School, St. Mary’s Catholic School. A huge thank you to the companies and North Tyneside Learning Trust that have supported and contributed to this project and the TICE team that plugged away at the project week after week.
To the students – we hope you have enjoyed this project, we hope in years to come that you can proudly present an industry written project you did, achieved, quite frankly smashed. Well done and congratulations from everyone here at TICE.